On Thursday, Aug. 12, Raytheon Expeditionary Warfare Center and co-sponsor Rick Engineering Company hosted more than 50 student leaders and industry professionals for the 2010-2011 San Diego Region Joint Planning Conference for Engineering and Science Student Chapters at Raytheon Company in San Diego, California.
The purpose of the annual event was to provide a forum for the leaders of various student and professional organizations including:
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- Black Student Science Organization (BSSO)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Pacific Asian Society of Engineers (PASE)
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Sciences (SACNAS)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
In addition, the following schools were represented:
- Universities: San Diego State University, University of California – San Diego
- Community Colleges: San Diego City College, Southwestern
Raytheon Company’s Mission Center Executive Tom Dlugolecki welcomed attendees and Human Resources Talent Acquisition Vikki Wright and Engineering Manager Raydiance Wise provided an overview of the company and its opportunities. In ‘Diversity Theatre,’ Raytheon Company staff played the roles of student organization members and addressed the issues of ethics, jealousy, diversity, inclusion, and authority.
[ Download ‘Diversity Theatre’ script ]
Representing the 53rd district of California, Congresswoman Susan Davis presented advice for current college students, updated attendees on project’s she and her staff are currently working on in support of education in light of the current California and nation economy, shared thoughts about where the future of high education lies in regard to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, the status of state and federal aid in the educational field, and lastly, touched upon the value of engaging in community service.
MESA staff and industry professionals, including co-sponsor Rick Engineering Company representative Edgar Camerino, facilitated student chapter breakout sessions where members presented highlights from previous years, expectations for 2010-2011, and worked towards developing a regional master calendar.
Raytheon Company Human Resources Manager Stephanie Love-Payne moderated a former student leader alumni panel consisting of Mr. Phong Bach, Ms. Michelle Jordan, Ms. Jane Odero, and Mr. Manuel Ramirez. Their experience as previous student organization officers while going to school and now as a professional in a STEM field will greatly help our new set of officers. Panel topics included: Empowering Others; Responsibilities of Officers; Balance school, work, position and life; Conflict resolution; and Using your advisor.
The conference culminated in leaders and industry professionals collaborating to improve chapter effectiveness and communication between stakeholders and to promote leadership development and a social/industry/professional networking experience.
Following the conference, MESA staff will compile a ‘Who’s Who Roster 2010-2011 Contact Information’ and ‘Joint Regional Master Calendar’ for student organization participants and MESA industry supporters.
Photos courtesy Raytheon Company.
RAYTHEON COMPANY, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.
RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY is an award winning, multi-disciplined planning, design and engineering firm. We maintain divisions that focus on urban design and planning, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, surveying, mapping, aerial photogrammetry and specialized computer services.
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